Diamond Bar councilmember urges transparency on proposed Industry data center and battery-storage plans, cites fire and resource concerns

During council reports, Council Member Tang raised concerns about a proposed data center and associated battery energy storage system (BESS) planned in the neighboring City of Industry. Tang said he had received correspondence from residents opposed to the plan and cited potential environmental and safety issues, including high electricity and water consumption and fire risk from lithium batteries.

"I can see that many people's point of view, they they are afraid that the data center is going to consume too much power, electric power. They're going to consume too much water, resources..." Tang said, and added that residents had not seen studies addressing safety precautions, electricity or water consumption, or environmental effects. He asked the city to seek transparency from agencies such as Edison and the local fire department.

Tang said the proposed BESS site is on Gale Avenue, about six or seven miles from Diamond Bar, and warned that an accident could cause traffic problems on the 60 Freeway. He requested greater transparency and outreach from responsible agencies so residents can have their concerns addressed.

Mayor Tai and other councilmembers acknowledged Tang’s remarks; Mayor Tai noted a recent fire on the 60 Freeway as an example of how incidents can disrupt traffic. Tang asked staff to be proactive in finding answers for residents and to encourage public agencies to explain safety and resource plans.

The matter was raised as a council report and no formal action or motion to intervene was recorded during this meeting; Tang said he would continue to study the proposals and share information with residents.